Wollongong's 2026 population is now estimated at 321,908. In 1950, the population of Wollongong was 73,477. Wollongong has grown by 3,373 in the last year, which represents a 1.06% annual change. These population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the UN World Urbanization Prospects . These estimates represent the Urban agglomeration of Wollongong, which typically includes Wollongong's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.
Wollongong is a city that is located in New South Wales, Australia. This seaside city is located just 51 miles from Sydney. The city has a population of 295,842 as of 2016, making it the third-largest in New South Wales. It is also the tenth largest by population in Australia. The city is most known for industry and port activity, as well as fishing and tourism.
The city of Wollongong has a population of 295,842 as of 2016. According to data from the 2006 census, almost three-quarters of the population in Wollongong was born in Australia. Close to 5% of the population was born in England, while less than 2% were born in each of the countries of Macedonia, Italy, Scotland and New Zealand.
Over 80% of the population speaks English only. Other languages spoken in the city include Macedonian, Italian, Spanish, Greek and Serbian.
Close to 30% of the people in Wollongong are of the Catholic religion. The city has a very diverse multicultural population, with many migrants coming to the area for job opportunities in the steel industry. Students from all over the world also come to the city to attend the University of Wollongong. The major industries in the city include steel, food service and educations, although tens of thousands of people commute to Sydney for employment.
The city of Wollongong covers a surface area of 572.2 kilometers squared (220.9 sq mi). The population density is approximately 522.90 residents per square kilometer (1,354.30/sq mi).
The first Europeans arrived at this city in 1796, and it was eventually settled during the early 19th century. Land grants were made in 1816, while military barracks were constructed 14 years later by the harbor. The city continued to develop over the years, with the construction of the first house occurring in 1834 and a main road built over the next two years.
The 1800s saw continued growth through harbor extensions, telegraph line installation, and a horse-drawn tramway, later followed by steam locomotives used to transport coal. Coal became a major part of the economy, although it wasn’t without its drawbacks, as a mine explosion killed almost 100 people in 1902.
Coal also attracted heavy industry, and the city’s steelworks was erected in 1928. The steelworks become known around the world for its rolled steel production. Other heavy industry that came to the area included a locomotive workshop and a copper smelter.
Growth continued through the 1980s with the addition of a new library building, shopping center, and performing arts center. In the 1990s, continued improvements and additions were added. While traditional manufacturing and industries declined in recent years, the city has continued to have a prosperous economy because of other industries including fine arts, construction and tourism.
Wollongong experienced population growth of over 3% between the census held in 2001 and 2006. Planned future growth in the Dapto area is expected to elevate the population further with the construction of 19,000 homes. This area is expected to add a population of 50,000 people over the next 40 years.
| City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | 5,464,920 | 1.35% |
| Sydney | 5,312,640 | 1.22% |
| Brisbane | 2,599,740 | 1.23% |
| Perth | 2,195,090 | 1.19% |
| Adelaide | 1,407,600 | 1.05% |
| Gold Coast | 762,290 | 1.29% |
| Canberra | 488,541 | 1.15% |
| Newcastle | 474,766 | 1.06% |
| Hobart | 178,009 | 1.01% |
| Townsville | 168,729 | 1.01% |
| Geelong | 157,104 | 1.02% |
| Cairns | 144,730 | 1.02% |
| Darwin | 118,456 | 1.03% |
| Toowoomba | 100,032 | 1.01% |
| Ballarat | 93,759 | 1.02% |
| Bendigo | 92,379 | 1.02% |
| Maitland | 78,015 | 1.03% |
| Mackay | 75,710 | 1% |
| Launceston | 75,329 | 1% |
| Bunbury | 71,090 | 1.02% |
| Rockhampton | 61,214 | 1% |
| Melton | 54,456 | 1.04% |
| Hervey Bay | 52,073 | 1.01% |
| Bundaberg | 50,148 | 1% |
| Wagga Wagga | 48,263 | 1.01% |
| Coffs Harbour | 48,225 | 1.01% |
| Albury | 47,974 | 1.01% |
| Port Macquarie | 44,814 | 1.02% |
| Orange | 37,182 | 1.01% |
| Queanbeyan | 36,248 | 1% |
| Wodonga | 35,130 | 1.02% |
| Sunbury | 34,425 | 1.01% |
| Dubbo | 34,339 | 1.01% |
| Tamworth | 33,885 | 0.99% |
| Bathurst | 33,587 | 1.01% |
| Mildura | 33,444 | 1.01% |
| Gladstone | 33,418 | 1.01% |
| Geraldton | 31,982 | 1% |
| Warrnambool | 30,709 | 1.01% |
| Albany | 29,373 | 1.02% |
| Lismore | 27,569 | 1% |
| Gawler | 26,472 | 1.02% |
